Women-only Cabinet event to debate independence

Angela Constance (L) and Shona Robison joined Fiona Hyslop (R) and Nicola Sturgeon as full Scottish Cabinet members. Picture: TSPL

The event, which will bring together women from organisations across the country, takes place on June 9, which also marks 100 days to go until the historic vote.

It comes as Scottish ministers Angela Constance and Shona Robison become full Scottish Cabinet members, joining Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

The event will look at issues such as gender equality, female representation on boards, the improvement of childcare and employment law, and issues of the economy and social justice.

Organisations due to attend include Engender, the Scottish Women’s Convention (SWC), STUC Scottish Women’s Aid, Close the Gap and Rape Crisis Scotland.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Scottish Government is proud to have taken action on gender equality.

“We are expanding child care to 600 hours from August this year for all three and four-year-olds and the most vulnerable two-year-olds. Scottish female employment rate is now the highest of any UK nation, and the inactivity rate is the lowest. The Scottish Government also wants to see women make up at least 40% of public and private boards in Scotland.

“However, there is still much work to do and I am clear that the Scottish Government must continue to lead by example.

“This all-women Cabinet event sends an important message to women in Scotland: that the Scottish Government is serious about ensuring a fair and prosperous society for all and that, following a vote for independence, we want women to have a strong voice in building our future.”